Surrogacy Treatment Program in Georgia for US Patients

For intended parents in the United States facing the high financial barrier of domestic fertility treatments, the Surrogacy Treatment Program in Georgia (Europe) offers a legally secure and affordable alternative. Located at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Georgia has become a global hub for international surrogacy thanks to its supportive legislation, high-quality medical infrastructure, and costs that are nearly 70% lower than US equivalents. This guide covers everything American couples need to know about pursuing parenthood in Tbilisi.

Why Choose Georgia for Surrogacy?

Georgia combines modern IVF technology with a legal framework that prioritizes the Intended Parents, making it a top destination for Americans seeking affordable reproductive solutions.

Since 1997, commercial surrogacy in Georgia has been regulated by law, providing a safe environment for international patients. Unlike many other nations where laws are ambiguous, Georgia's Article 143 of the Law on Health Care explicitly permits surrogacy and egg donation. For US intended parents, this means you are recognized as the legal parents immediately upon the child's birth.

The medical standards in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi are high, with many clinics employing European-trained embryologists and adhering to ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) guidelines. Facilities are equipped with advanced technologies like PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) and time-lapse embryo monitoring, ensuring success rates that rival those in the United States.

Cost Comparison: Georgia vs. USA

A detailed look at how proceeding with a gestational carrier in Georgia can save US families over $100,000 while maintaining high medical standards.

The primary driver for medical tourism in Georgia is cost efficiency. While the medical protocols (IVF, ICSI, Blastocyst transfer) are identical to those in the West, the lower cost of living in Georgia allows for affordable surrogate compensation and clinic fees.

Procedure/Item	USA (Average)	Georgia (Average)	What's Included (Georgia)
Standard Surrogacy Program	$120,000 - $150,000	$35,000 - $45,000	Agency fee, Surrogate compensation, IVF, Legal fees.
Guaranteed Baby Program	$180,000+	$55,000 - $65,000	Unlimited IVF/Transfers until live birth, all medical care.
Egg Donation (if needed)	$15,000 - $25,000	$4,000 - $6,000	Donor screening, medication, retrieval.
Legal & Admin Fees	$10,000 - $15,000	Included	Notary, contracts, birth registration support.

Step-by-Step Treatment Journey

From the initial video consultation to bringing your baby home, here is the logistical roadmap for US citizens.

1. Consultation and Matching

The process begins with a virtual consultation with a PlacidWay partner clinic. You will review medical history and select a package. Once decided, the clinic begins matching you with a surrogate mother in Georgia. All surrogates undergo rigorous psychological, medical, and background checks.

2. Legal Contracts

Before any medical procedure, a surrogacy agreement is signed. This is a notarized contract that clearly outlines the rights of the Intended Parents. For US citizens, this step is crucial for establishing intent, which is required later for US citizenship transmission.

3. Visit 1: Medical Process (2-5 Days)

Intended Parents travel to Georgia. The father provides a sperm sample, and if using own eggs, the mother undergoes retrieval. If using an egg donor, this is synchronized with her cycle. Embryos are created via IVF/ICSI and may be tested using PGT-A.

4. Pregnancy and Monitoring

The embryo is transferred to the surrogate. US parents receive regular updates, ultrasound reports, and medical test results throughout the pregnancy. You do not need to be in Georgia during this time.

5. Visit 2: Birth and Exit Process (3-5 Weeks)

Parents return to Georgia for the delivery. After birth, you will obtain the Georgian birth certificate (typically within 1-3 days). The final step is visiting the US Embassy in Tbilisi to apply for the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and the baby's US passport.

Legal Framework for US Parents

Navigating the legalities of citizenship and parentage is straightforward if you meet the specific criteria set by Georgian law.

Georgia strictly limits surrogacy to heterosexual couples. You must be married or able to prove cohabitation for at least one year. Single men, single women, and same-sex couples are currently excluded from surrogacy programs in Georgia.

For US citizenship transmission, the US Department of State requires that at least one legal parent has a genetic link to the child. Therefore, you generally cannot use both a sperm donor and an egg donor (double donation) if you want the child to automatically acquire US citizenship at birth. DNA testing is frequently requested by the embassy to verify this link.

Success Rates and Medical Standards

Georgian clinics utilize top-tier technology to ensure high pregnancy rates for international patients.

Clinics in Tbilisi are equipped with modern laboratories that adhere to international standards. Success rates for gestational surrogacy vary based on the quality of genetic material:

• Self-Cycle (Own Eggs): 45% – 60% per transfer (dependent on age/quality).
• Donor Egg Surrogacy: 70% – 80% per transfer (using young, healthy donors).
• PGT-A Tested Embryos: Success rates can exceed 80%, as chromosomal abnormalities are ruled out prior to implantation.

Frequently Asked Questions